He Was Accused Overnight on Instagram — By Morning, He Was Gone

A quiet life before the storm

In Gurugram, India, 17-year-old Manav Singh was a normal teenage boy—school, friends, dreams.
He lived in a high-rise apartment. He had hopes. He had family.
No one expected how quickly everything would collapse.

Manav with his dog, Credit: Momo

The accusation

In May 2020, a young girl, a classmate, posted on Instagram that Manav had molested her (allegedly two years earlier) in a basement of their housing society. 
The post went viral among students, acquaintances, and strangers.
Within hours, the accusation spread. Screenshots, messages, taunts.
His phone buzzed incessantly.

The descent into social horror

They called him a rapist. They called him names.
Messages flooded in—some nasty, some dark.
He was humiliated, shamed, attacked online.
His reputation shattered before a trial ever began.
His family pleaded silence, but social media doesn’t wait.

Manav Singh with his family | by special arrangement Credit։ theprobe.in

The decision

Late on May 4, 2020, as his phone lit up with insults and threats, Manav made a devastating decision.
He climbed to the balcony of his 11th floor flat. 
He jumped.
He fell.
He died instantly.

Aftershock & grief

His skull was smashed open, brain matter exposed—horrific, brutal.

His parents discovered him. Their only child was gone.
The father said, “I saw my son die on the spot.” 
He said this was not suicide — it was cyber murder.

An FIR was filed against unknown persons for abetting his suicide. 
Parents insist work is ongoing—but progress is slow. 
A chargesheet was eventually filed against the “two main accused minor girls” under Indian Penal Code sections including abetment to suicide. 
But both accused took anticipatory bail. 
The debate rages: was Manav innocent? Was the accusation false? Or was it abuse of power?

credit։ theprobe.in

Public reaction & legacy

People online are divided. Some claim he was guilty. Some say he was vilified without trial.
Many support the “Justice for Manav” movement. Petitions remain active. 
Reddit and forums debate:

“A boy 17 years old committed suicide back in 2020 because of fake rape allegations. No actions have been taken against the girls…”

His name became a rallying cry.
He became a symbol—not for a crime, but for the danger of social media mob justice.

Why this story grips hearts

Because a life was erased in hours, not by a person’s hand but by a digital avalanche.
Accusation first. Trial never.
He was judged, hated, and then lost.
It’s the darkest side of virtual crowds and viral posts.

Ending, twist, and reflection

He scrolled through comments, heart pounding.
Accusations, threats, shame raining down on his screen.
By dawn, the world had turned on him.
And that same day, the boy leapt from the 11th floor.

In the end, the court of public opinion killed him first.
His death is not just a story—it’s a warning.
Be cautious of clicks. Be careful with words.
Because sometimes, the fiercest weapon of all is your phone.

📚 Sources

  1. Times of IndiaTeen’s suicide after sex assault post; FIR filed
    https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/teens-suicide-after-sex-assault-post-fir-filed/articleshow/75747968.cms

  2. The ProbeParents allege cyber murder of son, await justice
    https://theprobe.in/stories/gurugram-parents-allege-cyber-murder-of-son-await-justice/

  3. The ProbeCyberbullying: Two years on, justice evades Gurugram parents
    https://theprobe.in/stories/cyberbullying-two-years-on-justice-evades-gurugram-parents/

  4. Voice For Men IndiaGirl faces trial for abetment to suicide over Instagram post (Manav Singh case)
    https://voiceformenindia.com/girl-faces-trial-for-abetment-to-suicide-over-instagram-post-manav-singh-suicide/

  5. OpIndia“He was not a rapist — social media made him one overnight,” says Manav Singh’s brother
    https://www.opindia.com/2020/05/he-was-not-a-rapist-stop-calling-him-that-brother-of-the-class-12-boy-who-committed-suicide-says-that-social-media-made-him-a-rapist-overnight/

  6. Reddit / r/delhiAnyone remember the Manav Singh incident? (Community discussion thread)
    https://www.reddit.com/r/delhi/comments/1etlfcu/anyone_of_you_remember_the_manav_singh_incident/

  7. WikipediaManav Singh (India) (summary reference)
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manav_Singh

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